TICKETS are selling well for this year’s Grassington Festival with its diverse and exciting mix of creative and colourful events focusing on the central concept of Explore!

The 2017 Festival, now in its 37th year, runs from 16 June to 1 July and will provide opportunities for audiences of all ages to be inspired by a fascinating programme of art, theatre, music, talks, exhibitions, guided walks, literature and creative workshops.

On the opening weekend of 17 and 18 June in Grassington Square, there will be a spectacular opening Procession as well as an eclectic mix of exhilarating music and dance together with mouth-watering cookery demonstrations and science explorations. During that weekend, everyone within the community and beyond is encouraged to come together in the Square to celebrate The Great Get Together in honour of Jo Cox.

The 2017 Festival embraces experiences for families and young audiences across the fortnight; Sean Kempton’s STUFF will delight and Morgan and West’s magic is sure to amaze everyone from ages five to 105! The idyllic setting of the Cavendish Pavilion Grounds at Bolton Abbey also plays host to Illyria’s performance of The Emperor’s New Clothes

This year Live at the Festival welcomes a fabulous line up of 5 brilliant comedians all performing their unique and critically acclaimed stand-up routines during one evening of entertainment at the Festival Hall.

Classical music lovers are certain to enjoy the Gala Concert featuring Raphael Wallfisch, Ben Crick and the Skipton Building Society Camerata performed in the beautiful surroundings of Bolton Abbey Priory, as well as the afternoon of Beethoven and Bartok at Scargill House in Kettlewell presented by the dynamic Heath Quartet.

There is a varied and impressive selection of live music catering for all tastes at the Festival in the Field Marquee kicking off with national icon, Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.

The award winning jazz singer and BBC Radio 2 broadcaster, Clare Teal, performing with her 17 piece Hollywood Orchestra led by Guy Barker, celebrates Ella Fitzgerald’s centenary year with an evening of superb music and the global sensation, The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, will provide pure entertainment, dead-pan British humour and irresistible foot-tapping music.

The Festival is looking forward to welcoming the brilliant singer/songwriter Newton Faulkner with support from Holy Moly and the Crackers and the whole Festival fortnight comes to a spectacular finale with a headline performance by the 80’s pop sensations, Bananarama, supported by Leeds band, The Opera Comic and Back Chat Brass.

Grassington Festival prides itself on its wide ranging programme of high quality and top class performances and workshops, alongside community involvement, and it looks like this year is no exception.

For the full programme of Festival events and to book tickets, visit the Grassington Festival website at: www.grassington-festival.org.uk